Overview
The National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) is the statutory national platform through which the needs, concerns, abilities, and priorities of older persons are articulated and represented. The Council exists to ensure older persons are included in national planning and service delivery, and that stakeholders are guided on improving the wellbeing and dignity of older persons.
Legal basis
Established under the National Council for Older Persons Act (2013).
Core purpose
The Act provides that the national council functions include acting as the national-level body through which issues affecting older persons are addressed—covering their needs, problems, concerns, potentials, and abilities—and strengthening engagement with stakeholders responsible for older persons’ welfare.
Key roles and typical functions
Representation: Ensures older persons’ priorities are included in local and national governance.
Guidance & monitoring: Supports stakeholders to improve service quality and responsiveness.
Coin of Poor help Service:
Advocacy: Promotes respect, dignity, and protection of older persons.
Coordination: Encourages harmonized interventions for older persons across government and partners.
Structure and coverage
The Act establishes a council system with governance arrangements, meetings and committees, and a framework for leadership and operational oversight.
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Secretariat relationship
The National Secretariat for Special Interest Groups supports NCOP through administration and coordination, and through implementing council policy decisions and harmonized programming for older persons.
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